In this ADAA 2026 conference presentation, Shauna Pichette, LPC, LPCC (ADAA member), Molly Schiffer, LCPC, Michelle Massi, MFT (ADAA member), Michael Young, MD, explored how health anxiety develops and how clinicians can help individuals navigate the complex relationship between physical symptoms, mental health, and technology. Health anxiety can significantly affect quality of life, especially in a world where medical information, wearable technology, and AI-powered tools are available at our fingertips.
The presenters discussed the benefits and challenges of digital health tools, including wearable devices, online symptom searches, telehealth platforms, and AI-driven resources. Through clinical examples and interdisciplinary perspectives, the session highlighted evidence-based strategies that promote self-compassion, reduce compulsive reassurance-seeking, and support integrated treatment approaches for health anxiety, OCD, and somatic symptom disorders.
Recorded by Vumedi in partnership with ADAA.
